Classical mechanics (find trajectory and kinetic energy)

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on solving a classical mechanics problem involving the force vector ## \vec{F}(x) = (-12x + 6) \vec{i} ##. Participants derive the potential function ## U(x) = 6x² - 6x + C ## and explore the differential equation ## m\ddot{x} = -12x + 6 ##, simplifying it under the assumption of mass ## m = 1 ##. The trajectory of the particle and its kinetic energy at ## x = 2 ## are the primary objectives, with suggestions to utilize variable changes to simplify the differential equation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of classical mechanics principles, specifically Newton's laws of motion.
  • Familiarity with potential energy functions and their derivation from force vectors.
  • Knowledge of solving second-order differential equations.
  • Basic concepts of kinetic energy calculations in physics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the method of solving second-order linear differential equations with constant coefficients.
  • Learn about potential energy functions and their applications in classical mechanics.
  • Explore the relationship between force, mass, and acceleration in detail.
  • Investigate the concepts of trajectory analysis in physics, particularly for harmonic motion.
USEFUL FOR

Students in introductory physics courses, educators teaching classical mechanics, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of particle motion under variable forces.

NanoMath
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Homework Statement


Given the force ## \vec{ F }(x) = (-12x + 6) \vec{i} ## ; find kinetic energy ## T## at the point ##x=2## and trajectory of a particle ## \vec{r}(t) ##, given that ## \vec{r}(t=0)=\vec{0}## and ##\dot{\vec{r}}(t=0)=\vec{0}## .

3. The Attempt at a Solution

Since ##\nabla\times \vec{F} = \vec{0}## we can find potential function ## \vec{F}(x) = -\nabla U(x)## , therefore ## U(x)= 6x²-6x + C ## . From here I am not sure how to proceed.
Second idea is to solve differential equation but I'm not sure how to do it because force is a function of ## x## and not ## t ## .
$$ m\ddot{x}=-12x+6$$ $$\ddot{x}+\frac{1}{m}12x-\frac{1}{m}6=0$$ let's suppose ##m=1## for simplicity, then we get $$ \ddot{x}+12x-6=0$$
 
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NanoMath said:

Homework Statement


Given the force ## \vec{ F }(x) = (-12x + 6) \vec{i} ## ; find kinetic energy ## T## at the point ##x=2## and trajectory of a particle ## \vec{r}(t) ##, given that ## \vec{r}(t=0)=\vec{0}## and ##\dot{\vec{r}}(t=0)=\vec{0}## .

3. The Attempt at a Solution

Since ##\nabla\times \vec{F} = \vec{0}## we can find potential function ## \vec{F}(x) = -\nabla U(x)## , therefore ## U(x)= 6x²-6x + C ## . From here I am not sure how to proceed.
Second idea is to solve differential equation but I'm not sure how to do it because force is a function of ## x## and not ## t ## .
$$ m\ddot{x}=-12x+6$$ $$\ddot{x}+\frac{1}{m}12x-\frac{1}{m}6=0$$ let's suppose ##m=1## for simplicity, then we get $$ \ddot{x}+12x-6=0$$
With a simple change of variable you can eliminate the constant 6 from the differential equation and obtain a very well known form. Think springs.
By the way, this belongs in Introductory Physics homework.
 

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